Ponce de Leon Day
St. Augustine Florida
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1883 Celebration
Ponce De Leon Day. (from August 156, 1889 St. Augustine Weekly News)
A Plan to Revive a Festival Inaugurated in 1883.
An Interview With an Enthusiast on the Subject--He Tells how the Affair was Managed and Who
Did the Work --- The Holiday Must Be Revived --- A Chance for Athletics
On March 27, 1883, the 373rd year of the existence of this city was celebrated in grand style. It
was Ponce de Leon day and the event brought to this city the greatest crowd ever gathered here.
There is no reason why this celebration should not be made a gala day once a year. In 1883 a
picturesque landing was made by Ponce de Leon, impersonated by Francisco B. Genovar, one of
Ponce de Leon's old associates. He had a battalion of two companies, commanded by Captains
John G. Carrea and Albert L. Rogero. These Spanish troops, in antique uniform and with the flag of
old Spain, proceeded to the old Fort and celebrated mass.
The second feature of this celebration was the oration by Maj. George R. Fairbanks. Then the
parade, under direction and command of Mr. J. A. Enslow Jr., made up of the Ponce de Leon
army, the battalion of the U. S. A., then stationed here, the St. Augustine Guards, visiting military
from Jacksonville and Palatka, the Ladies' Confederate Monument Society in carriages, the Fire
Department, the Catholic schools under direction of the sisters of St. Joseph, civic societies and
citizens. At night there was a grand Venetian display and aquatic concert on the bay in front of the
city. On the second day a yacht race was sailed and at night a grand pyrotechinic display took
place. The houses generally were decorated and all went in with spirit for a great holiday.
Dr. De Witt Webb conceived the idea. He worked hard against opposition. He was the secretary of
the executive committee and General Horatio G. Gibson was chairman. These two gentlemen were
the very inspiration of the whole enterprise and to them is due the success and credit of the affair.
Most of the gentlemen who took active part in the last celebration are still with us and can be
depended upon to renew their effective work. Secretary DeWitt Webb, Ponce de Leon Genovar,
Captains Carreras and Rogero, Grand Marshal Enslow, Executive committee. Genovar, Finance
Solicitor D. Knowlton, Chief of Finance George W. Gibbs, Chief Decorator Frank H. Greatorex
and others.
A pleasing feature of the last celebration was the old Spanish names represented in the two
companies of the Spanish troops, viz: Rogero, Carreras, Masters, Manucy, Andrea, Bridier, Capo,
Mickler, Benet, Triay, Oliveros, Colee, Hernandez, Genovar, Usina, Ponce, Valle, Gomez,
Llambias, Leonardy, Sanchez, Dupont and Ximanes.
1885 Celebration
March 27
State Senator Genovar played Ponce de Leon escorted by 46 attendants in Spanish costumes with
battle axes and glittering helmets. Fathers Lynch and Money celebrated high mass at the Castillo.
Addresses were made by General Gibson and the Hon G. R. Fairbanks. The parade that followed
was witnessed by 10,000 persons. A dress carnival was held and then a ball at the St. Augustine
Hotel. Also a yacht and boat race and a aquatic show in the harbor.